daily itinerarysnebulos.mit.edu/majorexcursions/trips/1923.pdf · which will include: zip line...

of 10 AT #1923

The words Costa Rica translate to “rich coast”. With over 25% of its land area protected as either national park or wildlife reserve, Costa Rica serves as a land of adventure and culture. It is vibrant and brimming with natural beauty. You can call it the hummingbird capital of the world. Costa Rica has a quarter of the 300 hummingbird species found in the world. It is also home to more than 10% of all the species of butterfly in the world.

Costa Rica is a nation of laid-back, friendly and happy people. “PURA VIDA” is the motto of Costa Ricans. Simply translated, it means “simple life” or “pure life”, but in Costa Rica it is more than just a saying, it is a way of life.

Costa Rica is an adventure-lover’s dream and everywhere you look, you are greeted with peaceful waterfalls, lush tropical rainforests pristine beaches and a plethora of wildlife like howler monkeys and sea turtles. These are the perfect conditions for our “Week of Adventure” which will include: zip line canopy tour, white water rafting, canyoneering, hiking, mountain biking, surfing and snorkeling. Rest assured, you do not need prior experience with any of the activities to join this trip.

of 10 AT #1923

Daily Itinerary

The daily itinerary will need to be flexible, dependent on weather and river conditions or other considerations of the local guides in Costa Rica. We always focus on the safety of all participants and this means on occasion we may need to substitute activities based upon local real time conditions. Day 1, February 12 – Welcome to Costa Rica Fly into Juan Santamaria Intrnational Airport in San Jose, Costa Rica. You will join several of your fellow AMC travelers outside the arrivals terminal to begin the next leg of your journey. A local driver will take you to our hotel in Turrialba, a charming little town in the lush and beautiful Central Valley in Cartago province. It is famous for being a white water rafting hotspot and is home to the Turrialba Volcano. During the two hour drive, you will see orchards, small towns and beautiful coffee fields. Upon arrival in Turrialba, you will settle into our hotel, Casa Turire. The hotel is an enchanting place located in the green and agricultural area of Turrialba. You can have a walk around the gardens to start feeling closer to nature. Tropical birds like toucans, oropendolas and parakeets are everywhere. Don’t forget your binoculars! The group will gather in the evening for our welcome dinner at the hotel. Dinner included.

Day 2, February 13 – Canyoneering

This is a full day canyoneering tour in a private reserve right in the heart of the rainforest. It’s a short scenic drive to the reserve past sugar and coffee plantations. We will have a local naturalist guide lead us along the trails before getting to the canyons.

HotelCasaTurire

of 10 AT #1923

From there it is a fun rock scrambling, waterfall rappelling day in a “leave no trace” environment. At each waterfall the guides will prepare the ropes as there are no permanent fixtures. You will get wet so make sure you have a plenty of quick dry clothing with you. Later you will enjoy a delicious typical Costa Rican lunch, cooked up over a wood stove by a local chef. Relax and marvel in the spectacular views down to the Turrialba valley. You will also have the chance to see all sorts of wildlife. We will stay overnight Casa Turire. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included. Day 3, February 14 – Mountain Biking We will leave early in the morning from the hotel and travel toward the Irazú Volcano. This is where today’s tour will begin. We will mountain bike from the top of the volcano to the town

of Turrialba. The summit of Irazú is at 11,259 feet and offers spectacular views of the region and the volcano crater. Prepare for an unforgettable mountain bike experience as we descend 9,200 feet to the town of Turrialba. Our route takes us through the National Park's lush cloud forest to the shoulder of the Turrialba Volcano and passes through small villages and hillsides laden with ferns and bromeliads. We will stay overnight at Casa Turire. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 4, February 15 - Rafting Welcome to the jungle! Following breakfast we will take a short tour of a local organic coffee plantation where we will learn about one of Costa Rica’s most important crops. From there we will continue to the world famous Lower Pacuare River where we will be outfitted for the awesome three days and two night rafting trip and jungle stay. Enjoy 8 miles of exciting whitewater, and participate in river side stops to swim, hike and have a picnic lunch. The rafting is a fun class III section of whitewater on a beautiful pristine river.

of 10 AT #1923

After some great hikes and wonderful rapids, our group will arrive at a remote eco-lodge in the middle of the jungle. The Pacuare River Lodge is equipped with a full kitchen, showers, bathrooms, fully enclosed cabins and the best vantage point of the beautiful river and jungle. After settling in at camp we are free to practice in a kayak, swim, explore the jungle or just sit back in a hammock and relax. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 5, February 16 – Zipline Canopy Tour Wake up to the sounds of the jungle and the early morning mist over the rainforest. After

breakfast, our guides will prepare us to experience an adrenaline packed day in a rain forest canopy tour. The group will harness up to experience the excitement of crossing the jungle canopy on zip line. For the brave there is also the amazing Tarzan Swing. The afternoon is available to rest and

relax in hammocks, spot birds and wildlife, swim in waterfalls or hike in the rainforest near the Pacuare River Lodge. Overnight at the Pacuare Eco Lodge. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 6, February 17 – Rafting – Part 2 Those who enjoy the early morning will especially like a morning hike through the dense rain forest surrounding the lodge. After a hearty breakfast surrounded by tropical birds it’s time to get serious about whitewater fun. Our rafting trip continues down the most challenging section

of the Pacuare as class IV drops seem to be around every corner. The spectacular river canyon and virgin rainforest create vertical walls of green, broken by waterfalls and hanging vines. This stretch of the Lower Pacuare River has been voted one of the top 5 commercially rafted rivers in the world by National Geographic and will have you floating past primary rainforest, stunning waterfalls, steep

canyons and fun class III and IV rapids. You will enjoy a river picnic along the way before

Eco-Lodge

of 10 AT #1923

reaching the “take out” point in the Caribbean lowlands. Later we will check into our hotel, Cariblue, on the Caribbean coast. Overnight Cariblue. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included. Day 7, February 18 – Surfing & Snorkeling

The white sand beach and clear blue ocean give many choices today. Take an early morning walk along the beach and through the tropical jungle to spot howler monkeys, sloths

and birds. After breakfast, you will receive surfing instruction from one of our guides. Later, take a break and enjoy a delicious lunch in a small local restaurant before going to the Cahuita National Park. After lunch we will head out on a boat for a snorkeling tour. Tropical fish and coastal reefs await any snorkelers in the group or you can choose to hike along the beach spotting wildlife in the jungle setting. Later, we will pack up and begin our journey through the flat Caribbean terrain, and up through the eastern slops of the central mountains to Turrialba where we will spend the night back at the base hotel. Overnight Casa Turire. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 8, February 19 – Time to head home. Today it’s time to say goodbye to Costa Rica and head home. Your private transfer will collect you from the hotel and drive you to the airport in time for your departing flight. Fitness Level and Activities Each of our daily activities is described in the Itinerary herein. The activities described require no specific skills other than basic fitness. When you participate in this trip, you should be in proper condition for the activities outlined in this prospectus and aware of the risks involved. Because we are committed that everyone has a safe and enjoyable trip, we contact all potential participants to discuss your capabilities, expectations, and experience. We may request references to confirm your fitness level and suitability for participating in trip and group activities. While leaders are vigilant to ensure participant safety, each individual is ultimately responsible to keep themselves safe and within their physical capabilities.

of 10 AT #1923

Lodging, Meals and Flights Lodging: We will have accommodations at 3 different locations. We will stay a total of 4 nights at Casa Turire in Turrialba; our first three nights will be here as well as our last night. On day 4

we will move to the Pacuare River Lodge for 2 nights. We will arrive via raft along an 8-mile stretch of the Pacuare River. This eco-lodge is extremely remote, located in the middle of the jungle above the river. There is no electricity but you will still have many comforts such as en-suite bathrooms with hot showers (heated by solar), hot meals, and beautiful scenery. On day 6 we will hop

back in our rafts and work our way out of the jungle. We will spend one night at Cariblue Hotel located on the Caribbean coast before heading back to Casa Turire for our last night in Costa Rica.

All accommodations are double occupancy. You will be matched with a same gender roommate, unless otherwise noted by you. There is no single occupancy rate on this trip.

Meals: All meals beginning with the welcome dinner on day 1 though breakfast on day 8 are included. That covers 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 7 dinners. Many of the meals will be at restaurants and at the eco-lodge. Some of our lunches will be picnic style lunches out in the jungle, on the river, etc. You are responsible for your own snacks and any alcoholic or additional beverages you may want during your stay.

Flights: You will want to make flight arrangements to arrive in San Jose, Costa Rica on February 12th and depart out of San Jose on February 19th. The cost of the flight should be between $375-$600. When booking your flights, please keep in mind that you will be traveling to and from Turrialba, which is about a 2-hour drive. Transportation to and from Turrialba is included in the cost of the trip.

Trip Price - $2150 The approximate price for the trip, $2150, is based on research at the time the trip was submitted to the AT Committee (March 2018). Some of the leaders’ expenses for the trip and administrative costs to support the trip are included in the trip costs to be shared by the participants. This is a non-profit excursion conducted by the leaders

on a volunteer basis. Any unforeseen increases in costs will be shared by all participants. Any funds remaining after all expenses are paid will be divided among the participants in accordance with AMC Adventure Travel policy and oversight.

CariblueHotel

of 10 AT #1923

Included in Trip Price

• 8 nights accommodations double occupancy (2 beds/room) • 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 7 dinners • Airport transfers in Costa Rica • Ground transport to all group activities • Luggage transport between accommodations • Local guide tips and driver tips • AMC Adventure Travel Fees • AMC emergency evacuation travel insurance • AMC-AT emergency telephone access for family and friends. • AMC-AT leader certified in CPR and Wilderness First Aid

Not Included in Trip Price

• Airfare ($~375-$600 from the East Coast) • Alcohol/snacks or other foods not noted in this prospectus • Souvenirs and personal items such as laundry, between-meal snacks, phone, internet

charges, etc. • Cancellation charges • Cancelation insurance • Lost baggage, lost baggage insurance, etc. • Medical and evacuation insurance beyond that provided in AMC-AT trip price. • Travel insurance (recommended) • We highly recommend participants have their own personal medical insurance and

purchase trip cancellation insurance.)

Application

To apply, you must complete and submit the Participant Application, Confidential Health Questionnaire, and Acknowledgement and Assumption of Risk and Release form, along with a registration deposit of $1000. You will be considered qualified for the trip when the trip leader has determined by a conversation with you that you and the trip seem to be a good match. You will be formally accepted, and your check will be deposited, when the trip leaders confirm the trip has sufficient number of participants and is going as planned.

Deposit: A registration deposit of $1000 is due with your application. The balance of $1150 will be due by November 1, 2018. Your application does not automatically result in acceptance on the trip. The AMC trip leader will speak with you by phone to make sure there is a mutual fit between this trip and

you. Do not make any non-refundable travel arrangements until you have been officially accepted, and the trip is deemed a “go.”

of 10 AT #1923

Cancellation Policy

The AMC Adventure Travel cancellation policy is based on the intent that your cancellation may not raise the cost to the other participants or to the leaders. Therefore, if you cancel, we will refund any money you have paid, less any expenses already incurred, or future expenses that will be incurred, that have been the result of your registration and that cannot be avoided. Refunded money will also be less a $100 cancellation fee. However, if you cancel and the trip still realizes full participation, then any and all fees you have paid will be refunded to you, in full, minus the cancellation fee. If you cancel after the airline tickets have been purchased, you still own the ticket and will be subject to their cancellation policy. Please refer to medical evacuation insurance info in the section above, “This Trip Includes.” This is the only insurance provided in your AMC trip price. No one expects to cancel or interrupt a planned trip, or to incur costs due to emergency medical expenses or lost luggage. However, such events do occur. If you are concerned about this possibility, or prefer to avoid cancellation penalties, we recommend purchasing travel insurance. Policy information will be supplied to all participants upon acceptance into the trip or you may purchase coverage from any of a number of travel insurance companies.

Weather:

VisitorstoTurrialbaduringthemonthofFebruaryshouldplanonbringingat-shirtandshorts.Theamountofrainislowwithanaverageof0.4inches.Thismonthisknownasaverypleasantmonthtemperaturewise.Theaveragemaximumtemperatureliesaround82.4°F.Pleasenotethatwewillbevisitingarainforestand

manyofouractivitiesareinandaroundwater.YouWILLGETWET.Pleaseplanyourpackingaccordingly. Logistics & Considerations Group Size: We have budgeted this trip for 11 people plus 1 AMC-AT leader. A waiting list will be established if more than 11 qualified people apply for the excursion.

Expectations/Experience Level for Participants: In order to participate in this excursion, you must consider and agree to the following:

Risks: Participants should be aware that there are risks associated with outdoor adventure activities, including but not limited to adverse weather and environmental conditions, remote locations of our trips and camps, and transportation in vehicles, on foot, by boat, or on a bike. When you apply for acceptance onto a trip, please carefully read and sign the Adventure

of 10 AT #1923

Travel Acknowledgement and Assumption of Risks and Release and Indemnity Agreement and call if you have any questions.

Group Dynamics: First, you must enjoy being part of a group. You must work towards the group having a good time and remaining safe, be prepared to help your fellow travelers and spend time with other participants on the trip and be inclusive and flexible. You will be expected to participate in most of our group activities. In doing so, you will enjoy the trip to the maximum.

Group Safety: Group safety will be our number one priority. You must agree to abide by the leaders’ decisions.

It may happen on any trip that a trip member is or becomes unable to participate in one or more of the planned activities. AMC Trip Leaders in their sole judgment, have the right and obligation to refuse participation in any activity to any group member for reasons of safety, whether it is of the group or of the individual. Leaders may try to find a substitute activity for the trip member, but this may not always be possible.

Leave No Trace: AMC Adventure Travel trips are run in a manner supportive of and consistent with the traditions, principles and mission of the Club. Trip leaders encourage participant conduct consistent with Leave No Trace environmental and conservation principles, and respect of local customs. Local regulations must be followed.

Your AMC Trip Leader

Leader Linda Moraski Chasen is an avid hiker, biker, runner and adventure traveler who enjoys sharing her passion for exploring the globe with others. She is a long time member of the AMC and has led and co-led trips to Bhutan, France, Southeast Asia, Eastern Europe, Morocco, and several areas in the US. Linda has been to the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro, ridden her bicycle from Florida to Boston and completed 5 marathons. She sold her business 3 years ago and has spent the last 2 years traveling the globe with her husband Steve.

What’s Next

After reading this prospectus carefully if you are still interested to apply for this trip, please fill out this Google Form (https://goo.gl/dh3yCi)and submit it online. Then click on the four links below to download, print, fill out, sign and date the application documents.

of 10 AT #1923

Mail the four (4) ink-signed forms along with a deposit check for $1,000 payable to the Appalachian Mountain Club and mail to:

Linda Chasen, 56 Glenham Street, West Roxbury, MA 02132.

Your check will not be deposited unless we offer you a place. If you are accepted from a waiting list, we will not deposit your check unless you confirm that you are still interested.

We expect this trip to fill quickly so the sooner you can get everything in the better and the sooner we can start the screening process. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Linda Chasen, [email protected], 617-448-8895.

Please remember that all AMC Adventure Travel events are led by volunteers. As such, they may be unable to respond to your inquiry immediately. However, they are very dedicated and will contact you as soon as possible.

Please read and understand the cancellation policy in the trip prospectus before sending any money.

TRIP FORMS

1. AMC Costa Rica Week of Adventures Trip #19XX Application Form: LINK TO BE ADDED LATER

2. AMC Assumption of Risk Participant Release Form: http://snebulos.mit.edu/orgs/amc/handbook/appendix/App-M.pdf

3. AMC Medical Form: http://snebulos.mit.edu/orgs/amc/handbook/appendix/App-L.pdf

4. AMC Supplemental Medical Form: http://snebulos.mit.edu/orgs/amc/handbook/appendix/App-L1.pdf

daily itinerarysnebulos.mit.edu/majorexcursions/trips/1923.pdf · which will include: zip line...

Documents